• ICAI3021B - Connect internal hardware components

ICAI3021B
Connect internal hardware components

This unit defines the competency required to modify and connect system hardware components according to client and user requirements.The following units are linked and form an appropriate cluster:ICAS3115B Maintain equipment and software in working orderICAT3025B Run standard diagnostic tests

Elements and Performance Criteria

ELEMENT

PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

1. Determine new components required

1.1. Identify and clarify user component requirements according to organisation guidelines

1.2. Organise and record user component requirements, pass onto appropriate person for evaluation and vendor selection

2. Obtain components

2.1. Contact vendors to obtain technical specifications for the proposed components

2.2. Assess the options and provide recommendations to the appropriate person for final analysis

2.3. Obtain components in preparation for installation

3. Install components

3.1. Develop plans, with prioritised tasks and contingency arrangements, for the installation of selected components with minimum disruption to clients

3.2. Liaise with appropriate person to obtain approval for the plans

3.3. Install and configure components according to plan, in accordance with installation procedures and organisationalrequirements

3.4. Test components for error-free performance, utilising available technology

3.5. Identify and resolve identified problems

3.6. Test and enhance system performance, using knowledge of the system, to meet organisational benchmarks

3.7. Document the installation and configuration process according to organisation guidelines

4. Provide instruction on use of modified system

4.1. Undertake one-to-one instruction on use of modified system with client or user in a manner that is appropriate to the audience

5. Evaluate modified system

5.1. Collect client or user feedback and analyse against client requirements

5.2. Correct identified shortcomings in the system and record actions

Required Skills

Required skills

Problem solving skills for a defined range of unpredictable problems

Language, literacy and communication skills necessary to process and present written and verbal information to a diverse range of people

Interpersonal skills

Report writing skills for business

Investigation skills for determining requirements

Analysis and evaluation of information in a defined range of areas

Questioning and active listening for a range of client/vendor levels

Customer service for internal and external clients

Ability to undertake one-to-one instruction

Literacy skills in regard to interpretation of technical computer installation manuals

Required knowledge

Detailed knowledge of the system's current functionality

Current industry-accepted hardware and software products, with broad knowledge of general features and capabilities and detailed knowledge in some areas

Vendor specifications and requirements for component installation

Set-up and configuration procedures

Detailed knowledge of areas of the operating system relevant to configuration and testing

Detailed knowledge of installation procedures

Broad knowledge of systems diagnostic software

Evidence Required

The evidence guide provides advice on assessment and must be read in conjunction with the performance criteria, required skills and knowledge, range statement and the Assessment Guidelines for the Training Package.

Overview of assessment

Critical aspects for assessment and evidence required to demonstrate competency in this unit

Evidence of the following is essential:

Assessment must confirm the ability to ascertain and meet client requirements for modification of a system's hardware.

An ability to plan the modification and to connect the internal hardware components according to vendor and technical specifications is essential.

Installation of components must be across a variety of situations and include unexpected contingencies.

To demonstrate competency in this unit the person will require access to:

Hardware components

Hardware system (e.g. subject personal computer, for installation of hardware components)

Technical manuals and tools

Context of and specific resources for assessment

The careful planning and promotion of hardware upgrades and changes is critical to the effective support of business functions. Hardware modifications need to be risk managed similar to other business processes. The effective management and execution of the component maintenance and replacement process may significantly determine the amount of down time a company encounters.

The breadth, depth and complexity of knowledge and skills in this competency would cover selecting, adapting and transferring skills and knowledge to new environments and providing technical advice and some leadership in resolution of specified problems. This would be applied across a range of roles in a variety of contexts with some complexity in the extent and choice of options available.

Assessment must ensure:

Performance of a defined range of skilled operations, usually within a range of broader related activities involving known routines, methods and procedures, where some discretion and judgement is required in the section of equipment, services or contingency measures and within known time constraints would be characteristic.

Applications may involve some responsibility for others. Participation in teams including group or team coordination may be involved.

Method of assessment

The purpose of this unit is to define the standard of performance to be achieved in the workplace. In undertaking training and assessment activities related to this unit, consideration should be given to the implementation of appropriate diversity and accessibility practices in order to accommodate people who may have special needs. Additional guidance on these and related matters is provided in ICA05 Section 1.

Competency in this unit should be assessed using summative assessment to ensure consistency of performance in a range of contexts. This unit can be assessed either in the workplace or in a simulated environment. However, simulated activities must closely reflect the workplace to enable full demonstration of competency.

Evidence for assessment from industry or vendor certified training may be presented for the whole or part of this unit depending on the range of variables and performance criteria.

Assessment will usually include observation of real or simulated work processes and procedures and/or performance in a project context as well as questioning on underpinning knowledge and skills. The questioning of team members, supervisors, subordinates, peers and clients where appropriate may provide valuable input to the assessment process. The interdependence of units for assessment purposes may vary with the particular project or scenario.

Guidance information for assessment

Holistic assessment with other units relevant to the industry sector, workplace and job role is recommended, for example:

ICAS3115B Maintain equipment and software in working order

ICAT3025B Run standard diagnostic tests

An individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Demonstrate some relevant theoretical knowledge

Apply a range of well-developed skills

Apply known solutions to a variety of predictable problems

Perform processes that require a range of well-developed skills where some discretion and judgement is required

Interpret available information, using discretion and judgement

Take responsibility for own outputs in work and learning

Take limited responsibility for the output of others

Maintain knowledge of industry products and services

Additionally, an individual demonstrating this competency would be able to:

Install hardware components safely

Keep appropriate records of changes to hardware

Apply hardware solutions to a variety of predictable problems

Interpret available information from hardware vendors and request clarification where needed

Take responsibility for hardware-related outputs


Range Statement

The range statement relates to the unit of competency as a whole. It allows for different work environments and situations that may affect performance. Bold italicised wording, if used in the performance criteria, is detailed below. Essential operating conditions that may be present with training and assessment (depending on the work situation, needs of the candidate, accessibility of the item, and local industry and regional contexts) may also be included.

Components may include:

Motherboards

CMOS battery

central processing unit (CPU)

CD and DVD drives

interface cards

drives

fax/modem cards

RAM upgrades

CPU upgrades

Organisationalguidelines may include but are not limited to:

personal use of emails and internet access

content of emails

downloading information and accessing particular websites

opening mail with attachments

virus risk

dispute resolution

document procedures and templates

communication methods

financial control mechanisms

Organisationalrequirements may include but is not limited to:

how and what the organisation wants in regard to work environment

problem solution processes

preventative maintenance and diagnostic policy

roles and technical responsibilities in the IT department

vendor and product service-level support agreements

Appropriate person may include:

supervisor

teacher

authorised business representative

client

Client may include:

a person within a department

a department within the organisation

a third party


Sectors

Unit sector

Implement


Employability Skills

This unit contains employability skills.


Licensing Information

Not Applicable